Power transmitting apparatus and control therefor



April '4, 1939. E. A. ROCKWELL 2,153,509

POWER TRANSMITTING APPARATUS AND CONTROL THEREFOR Filed Feb. 1, 1934' 8 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR Edward A. Raakwefi s gmw ATTORN EY April 4, 1939- I E. A ROCKWELL 2,153,509

POWER TRANSMITTING APPARATUS AND CONTROL THEREFOR- 8 Shets-Sheet 2 Filed Feb. 1,1954

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ATTORNEY April 4, 1939. E. A. ROCKWELL POWER TRANSMITTING APPARATUS AND CONTROL THEREFOR Filed Feb. 1, 1934 8 Sheets-Sheet 3 WNW M w m.

mm .mm Ev B ATI'ORNEY April 4, 1939. E. A. ROCKWELL POWER TRANSMITTING APPARATUS AND CONTROL THEREFOR B Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Feb. 1, 1934 INVENTOR Edward ARock well BY ATTORNEY A ril 4, 1939. E. A. ROCKWELL 2,153,509

POWER TRANSMITTING APPARATUS AND CONTROL THEREFOR Filed Feb; 1, 1934 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 k l I I u I:

R Q an E INVENTOR v Edward A. Rockwell ATTORNEY April 4, 1939. E. A ROCKWELL 2,153,509

POWER TRANSMITTING APPARATUS AND CONTROL THEREFOR Filed Feb. 1, 1934 s Sheets-Sheet a vhx v vfi ATTORNEY A if mg 7 5 74 M an J R R w N9 I mom +9 mww \QN 2 m I I mE 39k Z Z /74 EN SN vQ f/t] New V V how new mom April 4, 1939.

E. A. ROCKWELL 9 POWER TRANSMITTING APPARATUS AND CONTROL THEREFOR Filed Feb. 1, 1954 8 Sheets-Sheet '7 Q 25: Y F/g. /5 238 b c c ATTORNEY April 4, 1939. E A ROCKWELL POWER TRANSMITTING APPARATUS AND CONTROL THEREFOR Filed Feb. '1, 1954 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 .92 Mt R II In INVENTOR E dwardARockwe/l ATTORNEY Patented Apr. 4, 1939 PATENT OFFICE POWER TRANSMITTING APPARATUS AND CONTROL THEREFOR Edward A. Rockwell, Chicago, 111., assignor, by

mesne assignments,

to General Auto Parts Corporation, a corporation of Delaware Application February 1, 1934, Serial No. 709,318

14 Claims.

This invention relates to a clutch device for use with an automotive vehicle in combination with certain devices for controlling the clutch and related parts.

The invention has for an object the provision of a clutch engaged by speed responsive means and positively disengageable by power means.

Another object of the invention is to provide a combination clutch and freewheeling device for a motor vehicle in which the operation of the clutch may be controlled from a gear shift lever whether the freewheeling device is in operative position or not.

Another object is to provide a combination clutch and servo mechanism where the clutch is thrown out by the servo mechanism which may be mechanically operated, or fluid pressure or manually controlled, or controlled by a combination of means.

A further object is to provide a gear shift interlock for use with any of the foregoing combinations and to provide a clutch in which disengagement is accomplished by power means controlled by fluid means, vacuum, or manual control, and in which engagement is accomplished by centrifugal means.

The invention also contemplates means to eliminate the necessity for a separate free wheel device and also provides manual means for declutching and also automatic means for declutching while shifting gears, and further includes means so that at low engine speeds the engine will not be stalled by the continued application of servo force after the clutch has been released. I

The invention consists substantially in the construction, combination, location and relative arrangement of parts, all as will be more fully here- I inafter set forth as shown by the accompanying drawings, and finally pointed out in the appended claims.

' Y Fig. 1 is a side elevation of a vacuum control operating a standard clutch by means of a vacuum cylinder.

Fig. 2 is a vertical section of the trip valve shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a cross section of the gear shift lock shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a side elevation of the lock shaft or spindle shown in Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a vertical view in part section of a clutch engaged 'centriiugally and disengaged by power means controlled either manually or by vacuum.

Fig. 6 is a rear view of the clutch mechanism of Fig. 5.

Fig. 7 is a detail of the cam and roller mechanism of Fig. 5.

Fig. 8 is a rear view of the power disengaging brake of Fig. 5.

Fig. 9 is a vertical section of Fig. 8. 5

Fig. 10 is a detail of the brake actuating mechanism of Fig. 5.

Fig. 11 is a fragmentary cross sectional view of the gear shift tower and vacuum servo of Fig. 5.

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary section on the line 10 l2-l2 in Fig. 11.

Fig. 13 is a side elevation of a modified form of gear shift tower and vacuum servo mechanism.

Fig. 14 is a longitudinal section of the gear shift lever mounting of Fig. 13.

Fig. 15 is a cross section of the vacuum controlled gear shift lock of Figs. 5 and 13.

Fig. 16 is a side elevation of manual control means for the power clutch release.

Fig. 17 is a fragmentary rear view of the device shown in Fig. 16.

Fig. 18 is a longitudinal section of the vacuum release and cut-out valve shown in Fig. 5.

Fig. 19 shows'a combined manual and vacuum control of the power-released clutch including the trip valve shown in Figs. 1 and 2.

Fig. 20 is an enlarged detail view of the gear shift air valve shown in Figs. 1 and 19.

Referring to Fig. 1, the numeral denotes a vacuum motor of a known type adapted to retract 30 a link 3| pivoted at 32 to a lever 33 fastened to a clutch throw-out shaft 34. An extension 35 of lever 33 is connected by a link 36 to a lever 31 for operating the gear shift lock, hereafter described and generally denoted by the numeral 38.

The numeral 39 denotes a shifter fork of the gear shift mechanism. A curved lever 40 fixed on the throw-out shaft 34 has an end shoe 4| adapted to be engaged by an extension 42 of a pedal lever 43 fulcrumed on a pin 44. The pedal lever 43 4 terminates in the usual foot pedal 45.

The numeral 46 generally denotes the trip valve shown in detail in Fig. 2.

Referring to Fig. 2 the numeral 41 denotes a valve body formed with a lower recess or chamber 5 48. A lateral passage 49 opens into a central bore 50 above which is a smaller concentric hole '51 having a downwardly directed rim 52 and an upwardly directed rim 53 extending into an upper bore 54.

A second lateral passage 55 opening into the hole 5| is connected through a fitting 56 and a tube 51 with the vacuum motor 30 in Fig. l. A fitting 58 and a tube 59 connect the lateral passage 49 with the inlet manifold 60 of the engine 55 8|, Fig. 1. A diaphragm 82, Fig. 2 clamped between central plates 88 and 84 by means of a nut 85 on a stem 88 is fastened in sealing relation between the bottom of body 41 and dished cap 51, acting as a lower closure for the recess or chamber 48, and forming with cap 81 a lower closed chamber 88. I

A passage 88 connects the lower chamber 88 with the lateral passage 48 and a small orifice 18 connects the chamber 48 with the outer atmosphere. A second orifice 1| larger than 18 leads from the chamber 48 to the lateral passage 49.

A lower piston 12 slidable in sealing relation in the bore 58 and an upper piston 18 slidable in sealing relation in the upper bore 54 are spaced apart by a rod 14 extending through the hole 5I and having a large clearance therein.

Pistons 12 and 18 are adapted to seat against lower and upper rims 52 and 58 respectively, the length of spacer rod 14 being such that when either piston is seated the other is unseated.

A compression spring 15 retained between cap 81 and plate 84 urges the stem 85 upward, and an enlarged portion 18 of stem 88 urges the piston 12,

the spacer rod 14 and the piston 18 upward against the pressure of an upper compression spring 11. The spring 11 is retained by a cup 18,

slidable in the upper bore 54.

A screw 18 adjustably held in a lever member 88 pivoted at 8|, engages the cup 18. The lever member 88 is connected by a link 82 with the lower leg 88 of a bell crank lever 84, Fig. l, the upper leg 85 thereof carrying a foot pedal 88.

A small orifice 81, Fig. 2, opens from the lateral passage 48 to the bottom of upper bore 54 and an orifice 88 opens from 54 to the atmosphere. A third lateral passage 88 in body 41 opens into the chamber 48 and is connected through a fitting 88 and a tube 8| with a valve 82 controlled by the gear shift lever 88,- the valve 82 being normally closed except when manually actuated.

Referring to Fig. 8 which illustrates the shift lock 88, the numerals 84 and 85 denote the usual transmission shifter rods slidable in the body 88. A cross hole 81 contains a slidable lock pin 88 having rounded ends 88 and I88 adapted to engage notches such as I8! and I82 in the rods 84 and 85 respectively.

The length of lock pin 88 is such that it is necessary for one rounded end to be entirely seated in a notch in order for the opposite rounded end to clear the other rod so as to allow the latter to be shifted.

A vertical pin I88 carrying the lever 81 has a bottom extension or cam I84 which engages a rectangular notch I85 in the lock pin 88. The

shape of the cam I84 is such that when turned in the direction shown in Fig. 3,it has sumcient clearance in the notch I85 to allow the lock pin 88 to slide to full engagement in the notch of either rod as the other is shifted, thus allowing one rod to be shifted while locking the other. The described position as shown in Fig. 3 is hereafter referred to as "released position.

Referring to Fig. iwhich shows the pin I88 turned 90, it will be seen that the cam I84 in this view extends the full diameter of pin I88. When, therefore, the lever 81 is operated so as to swing the pin to this position the cam I84 is rotated to a position substantially without clearance in notch I85, thus holding the lock pin 88 in central position, in which position both rounded ends are partially engaged by notches in the shift rods so as to prevent either of the latter from sliding. This position is hereafter referred to as "locked position".

The numerals I88 and I81 denote balls slidable in the outer portions of the cross hole 81 and urged inward by springs I88 and I88 backed by plugs H8 and I so as to engage notches such as H2 and H8 in the shifter rods, forming spring latches for normally locating and. retaining the rods in various gear shift positions.

In Figs. 5, 6, '1, 8 and 9 is shown a clutch in which disengagement is accomplished by power means adapted to be controlled by vacuum or manually, but in which engagement is accomplished by centrifugal means.

Referring to these figures, the numeral II4 generally denotes a clutch provided with a casing or bell housing II 5. The driving members consist of an engine flywheel H5 and a presser plate II1 slidable inside the rim II8 of the said flywheel.

A plurality of studs H8 in radial holes I28 in the rim H8 have squared heads I2I engaging grooves I22 in the presser plate II1, thereby providing a positive driving connection between the flywheel and presser plate.

A driven member or plate I28 of any suitable type splined to a driven shaft I24 is situated between flywheel H8 and presser plate II1.

Friction facings I25 on the driven member I28 are adapted to be engaged by the faces of flywheel I I5 and presser plate II1. A rear plate or closure I28 fastened to the flywheel rim III by means of cap screws I21 contains a plurality of bushings I28 threaded into bosses I28. Studs I88 having tapered portions I8I fitting in corresponding tapers in bushings I28 are drawn into and tightly retained in the bushings I28 by means of nuts I82.

The forward or left hand ends of studs I88 terminate in forks I88 which support fulcrum pins I84. Radially'disposed finger levers I85 are fulcrumed at their outer ends on pins I 84.

Cam faces I88 on levers I85 engage the surface of shoes I81 screwed to the presser plate H1. Hooks I88 formed on the shoes I81 engage cross pins I88 in levers I85.

Tension springs I48 rearwardly held by pins MI in the rear plate I25 normally hold the levers I85 to the right or disengaging position.

The inner ends of levers I85 carry rollers I42 I adapted to engage a cam ring I48 shown in further detail in Fig. 7. The cam ring I48 is trunnioned at I44 to a second ring I45 which in turn is trunnioned at 90 to a sleeve member I45 rotatably mounted in the rear plate I26.

The face of the cam ring I48 has a series of depressed portions I55, Fig. '7.

The sleeve member I48 has a series of peripheral gear toothed segments I41 meshing with corresponding segments I48 (Fig. .6) on levers I48 fulcrumed on pins I58 fixed in the rear plate I26. Centrifugal weights I5 I, normally swung inward by compression springs I52 disposed between them and lugs I58 on the rear plate I25,v are also fulcrumed on the-pins I58. Heavy tension springs I54 connect the weights I5I and the levers I48 as shown in Fig. 6.

The numeral 148a denotes abutments on levers I48 adapted to be engaged by weights I5I when the latter are swinging inward.

Referring to Figs. 5, 8 and 9, a brake drum I58 is fastened to a ring I51 rotatably mounted on the sleeve member I48, Fig. 9. A pair of centrifugal weights I58 are pivoted to lugs I58 on the sleeve I45. The short lever ends I88 of weights I68 terminate in hooks I6I adapted to engage notches I62 in ring I51, but normally held clear of them by springs I83.

A pair of brake shoes I66 are supported at one end in notches I66 in a pin I66 fixed to a stationary plate I61. The free ends I68 of shoes I66 are spaced apart by a cam I69 floating on a square end I10 of a brake shaft I1I, Fig. 5. Tension springs I12 hold the shoes I66 in engagement with notches I65 and cam I69, and normally hold the shoes out of contact with the drum I56.

A pair of levers I13 and I16, Figs. 5 and 10, are rotatably mounted on the brake shaft I1I. A member I15 fixed to shaft I" has extensions H6 and I11 holding adjusting screws I18 adapted to engage the tops of levers I13 and I16 respectively, so that an upward movement of either lever causes the member I15 to rotate the brake shaft Hi.

It will be noted that the above description refers to a structure in which both manual and vacuum control means are provided. Either means may be provided without the other, in which case the member I15 is omitted, lever I13 or I16 being fixed directly to the brake shaft I1I as shown in Figs. 11, 13, 16 and 1'1, hereafter described.

The vacuum controlling means is shown in detail in Figs. 11, 12, 13 and 14. Referring to the above figures a rod I19 is pivoted as shown in Fig. 11 to lever I16. The rod I19 is fixed at its upper end to rigid plates I80, I8I, which are clamped concentrically on the bottom and top of the flexible diaphragm I82. The diaphragm I82 is clamped near its circumference between a vented lower casing member I83 which is rigidly fastened in any suitable manner to the gear shift tower I86, and an upper casing member or cap I85 which retains a compression spring I86 urging the diaphragm I82 downward.

The chamber I81 comprised between cap I85 and diaphragm I82 is connected through a fitting I88 and tube I89 with a passage I90 in a tubular extension member I9I formed on the side of the gear shift tower I86.

The passage I90 terminates in a chamber I92 at the top of which is a downwardly opening disk valve I93 .(Figs. 11 and 12) normally urged upward against an annular seat member I96 by a spring I95 disposed between I93 and. a guiding plug I 96. Above the seat member I96 is a lateral hole I91 which communicates through a tube I98 with the inlet manifold of the motor.

A hole I99 in the tower I96 intersecting a cross hole 200 open to the air, opens into the passage I90. A rod 20I slidable in the hole I99 and adapted to be depressed so as to cover and thereby close cross hole 200 is normally urged upward by a spring 202, the rounded upper end 203 of rod 20I normally projecting into a transverse groove 206 in the lower inclined face of the lower retaining shoe 205 which supports the gear shift lever ball I06. A second slidable rod 201 parallel to 20I and concentric with disk valve I93 rests against the top of the latter and extends into a second transverse groove 208 in the shoe 205.

The lower retaining shoe 205 and the upper retaining shoe 209 are slidable ahead'or backward on the top of tower I96 against the force of springs 2I0 or 2H disposed between the shoes and their retainer cap 2I2. The retainer cap 2 I2 has an enlarged upper hole allowing operating clearance 2I3 for the shift lever 223.

A spring pressed seal washer 2 of any de-, sired construction is provided to form a closure for the clearance 2".

An alternate form 2" of the shift lock previously described, is shown in Fig. 15. Here a branch tube 2I5, Fig. 13, leads from the fitting I88 .to a cylinder 2I6. A piston 2I8 normally pressed to extreme outward position by a spring 2I9 is connected by rod 220 with the lock lever HI and vertical cam pin 222. The lower parts of the releasing and locking mechanism are identical with those described in Fig. 3 and are denoted by the same numbers.

Figs. 16 and 17 illustrate in detail means by which the clutch disengagement may be controlled manually. I

The numeral 226 denotes a vertical member slidable in fixed guides 225 and 226 and having a lower slotted end 221 engaging a pin 228 in lever I13.

A compression spring 229 disposed between lower guide 226 and a cap 230 abutting against cross pin 23I in the vertical member 226 normally urges 226 upward.

A second spring 232 acting on 226 through a bell crank 233 normally overcomes the force of spring 229 thereby holding lever I13 down against a stop 236 in such position that the brake cam I69 Fig. 8, is held as shown.

A foot pedal 235 is pivoted to a fork 236 having a shoulder 231 bearing against the bell crank 233, and also having a cylindrical extension 238 slidable in a fixed guide 239, the cylindrical extension 238 acting as a guide for spring 232 between bell crank 233 and fixed guide 239.

When the manual control means described is,

applied in combination with the vacuum means as shown in Fig. 5, a small two-way valve 240, Fig. 18, is placed in the line 2 and 262 between the passage I90 and the diaphragm chamber I81, Fig. 11.

A separate tube 263 leads from passage I90 to the shift lock cylinder 2 I6. The valve 260 has an internal spring pressed plunger 266 which when depressed closes the port 265 and opens port 266 to the air through the groove 261, internal passage 268, and a screened vent hole 269.

The number250 denotes a stem or extension of plunger 266 adapted to be engaged by the bell crank 233.

In Fig. 19 is shown a combined manual and vacuum control of the clutch brake including a trip valve 66 of the type shown in Figs. 1 and 2.

In this figure in which parts identical with those previously described are denoted by the same numbers, the numeral 25I denotes a tube connecting the trip valve 66 with the vacuum gear shift lock 2". The control of the trip valve is by an atmospheric valve 92 of the type shown in Fi 1.

Fig. 20 shows an enlarged view of this valve, the parts being denoted as follows in Figs. 1 and 20.

Referring to the above figures, the shift lever 93, carries the usual ball 252 which is supported in spherical depressions in the heads of opposed plungers 253 and 256 which are slidable forward and backward in cylindrical bores 255 and 256 in the tower 251.

Plunger 256 has a groove 258 spaced from its other end, bearing .a. flange 259. Drilled holes 260 and 261 connect the groove 258 with the space in bore 256 beyond the plunger head. A vertical hole 262 in the tower 251 communicates through tube 9| with the trip valve 66 as described in Figs. 1 and 2. Opposed springs 288 and 284 normally urge the plungers 288 and 284 into central position as shown in Figs. 1 and 20, thefiange 288 effectively closing the hole 282.

The numeral 288 denotes a vent hole in the end cap 288.

r The operation of the apparatus is as follows:

Referring first to Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 20, which deal with the standard clutch operated by vacuum, with freewheeling provision, and with clutch operation controlled by the gear shift lever whether in freewheeling or not, the engine 8| being in operation, the vacuum in manifold 88 is communicated through tube 58 and fitting 88 to the lateral passage 48 in the trip valve 48 Fig. 2, thence through the passage 88 to the lower chamber 88 below the diaphragm 82. The vacuum is also applied to the chamber 48 above the diaphragm 82, but due to air leakage through the small orifice I8 the pressure in 48 is normally higher than that in 88, thus tending to move the diaphragm 82 downward. This pressure difference is not normally sufilcient to compress the spring I8 which therefore holds the piston I2 seated on rim 52.

Should it be desired to freewheel, the pedal 88 is depressed thereby pulling on the link 82, swing ing the lever 88 and the screw I8 downward. This causes screw 18 to force the cup I8 downward, loading the spring I1 and causing it to partially equalize the lower spring I5.

If the accelerator of the car is released, thus closing the throttle, the sudden increase in vacuum below the diaphragm 82 together with the loading of spring TI releases the lower piston 12 from its seat on rim 82. As I2 leaves 52 vacuum from passage 48 is communicated through hole II to the inside of bore 54 causing a sudden lowering of pressure below piston I8 which further assists the spring 11, thereby causing the lower piston I2 to drop with a snap or pop action to its lowest position, and the upper piston I8 to seat on rim 58.

A communication is now opened from the inlet manifold 88 to the passage 48, the hole 5|, to the lateral passage 55 and the tube 51 to the vacuum motor 88, Fig. l. The consequent fall in pressure behind the piston in the vacuum motor 88 causes the latter to retract the link 8|, swing the lever 88, revolving the shaft 84 and thereby disengaging the clutch. The car now free wheels until the motor throttle is opened thus reducing the vacuum in chamber 88 below the diaphragm 82 and in-the upperbore 54 below the piston I8, until the latter is raised from its seat by the action of spring I5. As I8 leaves its seat the pressure in the bore 54 (which pressure is practically atmospheric due to the fact that orifice 88 is much larger than orifice 8'I) acts suddenly on the bottom of piston I8, causing it to pop" away from its seat, lower piston 12 meanwhile seating against rim 52 so as to close of! hole 5| from the source of vacuum. Air now enters through the orifice 88 allowing the pressure in hole 5|, e 55 and consequently in the vacuum motor 88 to build up, thereby permitting the clutch to re-engage.

It should be noted that while the disengaging of the clutch is accomplished quickly by sudden admission of vacuum by the trip valve action described. the speed of re-engageme'nt is regulated by the size of orifice 88 which throttles the incoming air after the sudden rise of the trip valve. Thus the clutch may be caused to engage as slowly as desired by choosing the size of orifice 88.

From the foregoing it will be noted that in normal operation the pressure in upper chamber 48 is reduced, as it is open to vacuum through orifice 'II while its only source of atmospheric air is through the small orifice 18. This reduced pressure on the top of diaphragm 82 assists the spring I5 in keeping the lower piston I2 seated on rim 52, that is, in keeping the valve closed. When however, the gear shift lever is operated its initial movement opens valve 82, Figs. 1 and 20, to the atmosphere in the following manner:

When the lever 88 is pressed forward the gear shift lock being in locked position, the fork 88, Fig. 1, is held stationary and acts as a fulcrum for the lower end of lever 88. The plunger 258, Fig. 20, is forced forward and the plunger 254 follows, sliding the flange 258 off the mouth of hole 282 and opening the latter to cylinder 258. Air enters through the vent hole 285 in the end cap 288, passes through hole 282 and tube 8| to the upper chamber 48 of the trip valve 48, Fig. 2.

The resulting sudden pressure rise above the diaphragm 82 combined with the vacuum already existing below it and the initial urge of upper spring 1! overcomes the spring I5 and unseats the piston I2, admitting vacuum through the tube 8? to the vacuum motor 88 and disengaging the clutch as previously described. As the clutch disengages the shift lock 88 is released by means of the link 88 which operates the lever 81, permitting gears to be shifted. It is obvious that the lock 88 prevents shifting at any time unless the clutch is released. When manual pressure is released from the lever 88, the ball 252 once more is moved to central position by the spring 288 allowing flange258 to close the hole 282, shutting oil the air dump to the trip valve.

A backward shifting movement of the lever 88 causes the groove 258 toregister with hole 282. Air from the vent 285 passes inward through 28I and 288 and the groove 258 to the hole 282, tripping the valve as previously described.

The parts of the trip valve are so proportioned that the rise in pressure just described in chamber 48 is sufficient to cause the valve to open whether or not the spring 11 is loaded by operation of the freewheeling pedal 88. Thus the gears may be shifted by moving the shift lever 88 whether the car is freewheeling or not. Should it be desired to release the clutch manually, the clutch pedal 45 is depressed in the usual way, the extension 42 of pedal lever 48 depressing the shoe 4|, revolving cross shaft 84 and thereby disengaging the clutch at the same time the shift lock 88 is released, as previously described.

The operation of the power clutch shown in Figs. 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 is as follows:

When the engine is stopped or idling, the weights I5I are swung inward against the lever abutments I48a by the heavy tension springs I54, and the weight and lever assemblies are swung counter-clockwise (Fig. 6) by the compression-springs I52, thereby revolving the cam member I48 and allowing the rollers I42 to be drawn into the depressed portions I55 (Fig. 'l) by the tension springs I48 (Fig. 5).

The cross pins I88, engaging the hooks I88, hold the presser plate II'I clear of the friction facings I25, thus keeping the clutch disengaged.

As the engine is speeded up the weights |5| (Fig. 6) swing outward on pins I58 due to centrifugal force, carrying with them as units the levers I48 which are held engaged with weights III at abutment 9w by the heavy tension springs I54. This causes the segments I48, Fig. 6, to actuate the segments I41, revolving the cam member I48 anti-clockwise in the direction of the arrows in Fig. 6 or in a forward direction relative to the rollers I42, which latter are thereby forced to the left, Figs. and '1, thereby swinging the levers I 35 to the left, Fig. 5. The camming surface I36 bearing on the shoe I31, forces the presser plate II1 to the left. The friction facings I25 of the driven member I23 are pressed between the presser plate H1 and the flywheel II 6, causing the clutch to pick up the drive.

After the clutch has engaged, the weights I5I continue to swing outward, leaving the abutments Sc and stretching the springs I 54. Having placed the maximum desired pressure on the friction surfaces, the weights I5I come into contact with the flywheel rim II8 which restrains them from further movement, thereby preventing injury to the friction surfaces by undue pressure increase at high speeds, and facilitating declutching as will be explained hereafter.

The purpose of the double trunnion connection of cam member I 43 with the sleeve member I46 is to permit the cam member to float so as to exert equal pressures on all rollers I42.

When the engine slows down, the weights I5I swing inward against abutments I49a under the forces of the compression springs I 52 acting directly on them and tension of springs I54. At the same time the tension springs I40, Fig. 5, tend to pull the rollers I42 into the depressed portions I55 of cam member I43 and thereby revolving the cam member I43 in a clockwise or backward direction. When the centrifugal force of weights I5I has been sufficiently reduced the compression springs I 52 force the weights and levers I49 counter-clockwise, the segments I48 allowing the sleeve member I46 and the cam member I43 to revolve. The rollers I42 ride into the depressed portions I55, the springs I40, Figi' 5, swinging the levers I35 to the right and dis;- engaging the clutch.

The foregoing fully automatic disengagement, for proper functioning would require the use of an overrunning clutch or freewheel to permit the necessary slowing of the engine under certain circumstances without slowing down the entire vehicle. To eliminate the necessity for a separate freewheel, and also to provide manual means for declutching as well as automatic means for declutching while shifting gears, any desired braking device of which that shown in detail in Figs. 5, 8 and 9, is typical, may be employed.

It will be noted from the foregoing description that the relative rotation of the sleeve member I46 necessary for declutching is in a, clockwise direction, Fig. 6, that is in the reverse direction relative to the rotation of the engine as shown by the arrows of Fig. 6. If, therefore, a braking force is applied to the sleeve member I46 sufllcient to overcome the tension of springs I54, declutching will result.

When the engine and consequently the sleeve I46 are at rest or running very slowly, the hooks I6I, Fig. 8, are held clear of the notches I62 by the springs I63. When the engine comes up to normal idling speed the weights I58 swing out by centrifugal force, causing hooks I6I to engage notches I62, thereby driving the drum ring I51 and the drum I56.

The object in causing the hooks I6I to release the drum I56 at low engine speeds is to prevent stalling the engine by continued application of the braking force after the clutch has been released and the engine speed comes down toidling.

Assuming the motor to be driving the car, the hooks I6I are engaged and the drum revolving with the sleeve member I46. If either the lever I13 or I14, Fig. 5, on brake shaft "I, is raised, the cam I69 separates the shoes I68, Fig. 8, pressing them against the inside of drum I56 and tending to retard its motion. The drag thus produced is transmitted through the hooks I6I and lugs I59 to the sleeve I46 which is thereby retarded, stretching the tension springs I54, Fig. 6 and rotating the cam I43 clockwise relative to the rollers I42, allowing the levers I35 to disengage-the clutch.

It should be noted that the stopping of weights I5I, Fig. 6, against the flywheel rim I I8 limits the maximum tension of springs I54 and thereby limits the braking force necessary to declutch no matter how great the engine or car speed may be.

The engine having slowed down to idling, the weights I5I release, and the clutch remains disengaged as the braking force is removed from the lever I13 or I14. When the engine is again speeded up, the weights I5I cause automatic reengagement as previously described.

Operation of the clutch brake and the gear shift look by vacuum takes place as follows, referring to Figs. 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15:

When the rods 20I and 201 Fig. 12, are in the position shown, the cross hole 200 is open, thereby admitting air at atmospheric pressure through the hole I99 to the passage I90, thence to the diaphragm chamber I81 Fig. 11, and the cylinder 2I6, Fig. 15. Under these conditions the diaphragm I62 is held depressed by the spring I86, thereby holding I14 in downward position, in which position the brake shoes I64, Fig. 8, are not forced into engagement with the drum by cam I69. Similarly the piston 2I8 Fig. 15, is held forward by the spring 2I9, holding the lever 22I forward and locking the gear shift as previously described.

When it is desired to shift gears, for instance from high to second gear, requiring a forward motion of the lever 223, the initial pressure applied to the lever cannot shift the gears due to v the lock 2 I 1, which resists movement of the lower end of the lever. The lower end of the lever becomes the fulcrum point, and the ball 206 forces the shoes 205 and 209 forward, that is to the left Figs. 12 and 14, against spring 2I0 Fig. 14. As the shoe 205 slides to the left, Fig, 12, over the top of the tower I84, the edges of grooves 204 and 208 force the rods 20I and 201 downward, closing the cross hole 200 and opening the valve I93, by which means air is shut off from passage I90 and vacuum from the inlet manifold is admitted thereto through the tube I98 Figs. 11 and 13.

The pressure in chamber I81 Fig, llis lowered, and the atmospheric pressure below diaphragm I82 forces the latter upward. The rod I19 is drawn upward, raising the lever I 14, revolving brake shaft- HI and applying the brake. The resulting braking action disengages the clutch as already described.

Meanwhile the pressure in cylinder 2 I6, Fig. 15, a

is reduced untilatmospheric pressure on the forward end of piston 2I8 overcomes the spring 2I9,

lever iii the spring ill Fig.14, forces the shoes ill and ill back to central position Figs. 12 and 14. The rods ill and ill rise into grooves ill and ill, allowing the vacuum valve Ill to close and admitting air through the crom hole ill, thus returning the diaphragm lli to normal position and releasing the brake. As the brake releases the clutch reengages by action of tension springs I Fig. 6, unless the motor has dropped to idling speed, in which case upon speeding up the reengagement takes'place centrifugally as previously described. Meanwhile the pressure in cylinder ill Fig. 15, has risen to atmospheric allowing the spring ill toreturn the lock to locked position. Due to the difference in areas of diaphragm ili, mg. 11, and piston ill, Fig. 15, and the proportioning of their springs, the diaphragm applies the brake and releases the clutch before suflicient vacuum has occurred in cylinder ill to unlock $0 the gearshift, thereby preventing a shift before declutching.

It should be noted that an initial movement of lever iil either forward or backward forces the rods ill and ill out of grooves ill and ill, Fig.

85 12, so' that the mechanism functions as described during any shifting of the gear positions.

Referring to Figs. 16 and 17, which illustrate a manually actuated devicefor control of the clutch brake, the operation is as follows:--

30 when the pedal iii Fig. 16, is depressed, the spring ili is depressed, and the bell crank iii no longer restrains vertical member 224, which is forced upward by spring iil. This raises lever I'll revolving brake shaft I'll and releasing the 85 clutch as previously described. As pressure is releasedfrom the pedal-iilthe spring iii again overcomes the spring iil, returning the parts to normal position and allowing reengagement of the clutch.

4o when both manual and vacuum means are provided for controlling the clutch brake, as shown in Fig. 5, the two-way valve ill is so placed that the bell crank ili when actuated by the pedal ill depresses the stem ill, thereby disconnect- 45 ing the chamber lll Fig. 11, from the passage Ill Fig. 12, and admitting air to the chamber lll through tube ili, Fig. 5. By this provision, at-

mospheric pressure is assured above the diaphragm ili whenever the manual means is applying the clutch brake, thereby preventing both braidng means from being actuated at the same time. Due to the separate tube 243, Fig. 5, which leads from the passage ill Fig. 12, to the shift lock ill, the operation of the latter'is not aflected by the valve ill, and gears may be shifted at any time, whether the pedal 235 is depressed or not. l

In-Flg. 19 the combined manual and vacuum clutch brake means as described are shown with a trip valve ll of the type shown in Figs. 1 and 2 controlling the action of the diaphragm ili and gearshift lock 2". with this combination automatic freewheeling is secured in the manner described in connection with Figs. 1 and 2, except that the clutch is released by vacuum-controlled power instead of directly by a vacuum motor such as ll, Fig. 1. Manual control is permitted in the manner already described.

tin of diaphragm ili are controlled by the trip valve ll through ill. The tripping of the valve when shifting gem is accomplished as described under Figs. 1 and by an atmospheric valve 92 I. on the gear shift tower il'l.

The vacuum gear-shift lock i l1 and the operameans, and spring means adapted to determine said fluid pressure difference.

2. In combination, a clutch, servo means operable to disengage said clutch, means actuated by a difference of two fluid pressures each differing from the atmosphere for controlling said first means, spring means adapted to determine said fluid pressure difference, and manually operable means for varying the action of said spring means.

3. In combination, a clutch, servo means operable to disengage said clutch, means actuated by a difierenee of two fluid pressures each differing from the atmosphere for controlling said first means, spring means adapted to determine said fluid pressure difference, manually operable means for varying the action of said spring means, and manually controllable fluid controlling means for establishing said fluid pressure difference. I

4. In combination, a clutch, a transmission, a manually operable lever attached to said transmission, a speed changing device engaging the end of said lever, a clutch control device operable by fluid pressure operatively connected to the middle portion of said lever, and means adapted to convert said lever from a lever of the second class to a lever of the first class, said means comprising an interlocking locking mechanism associated with said speed changing device.

5. In combination, a clutch, a'transmission, a manually operable lever attached to said transmission, a speed changing device engaging the end of said lever, a clutch control device operable by fluid pressure operatively connected to the middle portion of said lever, and means adapted to convert said lever from a lever of the second class to a lever of the first class, said means comprising an interlocking locking mechanism associated with said speed changing device and operable in conjunction with said clutch control device.

6. In combination, a driving means, a clutch comprising driving and driven members, centrifugal means to cause engagement of said members, power means energized by the driving means associated with said driving member and adapted to disengage said members, and manually operable means to apply said power means.

'7. In combination, a driving means, a clutch comprising driving and driven members, centrifugal means to cause engagement of said members, power means energized by the driving means associated with said driving member and adapted to disengage said members, and means operable by vacuum to apply said power means.

8. In combination, a clutch comprising driving and driven members, centrifugal means to cause engagement of said members, power means asso-. ciated with said driving member and adapted to disengage said members, manually operable means to apply said power means, means operable by fluid pressure to apply said power means, and means adapted to prevent application of said power means by both manual and fluid pressure means at the same time.

9. In combination, a clutch comprising driving and driven members, a change speed transmission associated with said clutch, a shift lever attached to said transmission, centrifugal means to cause engagement of said driving and driven members, power means adapted to disengage said members, manually operable means to apply said power means, means operable by fluid pressure to apply said power means, means operatively connected to said gear shift lever to control said fluid pressure, and a shift lock operable in conjunction with said power means.

10. In combination, a clutch comprising driving and driven members, a change speed transmission associated with said clutch, a shift lever attached to said transmission, centrifugal means to cause engagement of said driving and driven members, power means adapted to disengage said members, manually operable means to apply said power means, servomeans to apply said power means, means operatively connected to said gear shift lever to control said servo means, a shift lock operable in conjunction with said power means, and means to permit said driven member to overrun said driving member.

11. In combination, a clutch comprising driving and driven members, a housing for said clutch, centrifugal means to cause engagement of said members, and power means adapted to disengage said members, said power means including a braking member attached to said housing and a cooperative braking member rotatively driven by said driving member when said driving member is revolving above a predetermined speed, and

speed responsive means to release said. second braking member from said driving member be low said predetermined speed.

'12. In combination with a clutch and a vacuum control device therefor, a trip device adapted to admit vacuum to said control device, said trip device including a valve and a seat therefor, spring means normally seating said valve, vacuum actuated means adapted to unseat said valve to allow an initial flow of vacuum to said control device, and means operable by said initial flow to augment said vacuum actuated means whereby the further opening of said valve is accelerated.

13. In a trip valve operable by a difierence of fluid pressure and adapted to control an automotive device, in combination, means to effect quick shift of said valve to one position whereby one function of said automotive device is caused to be performed suddenly, and to effect quick shift of said valve to another position whereby a second function of said device is caused to be performed, and means to retard the performance of said second function.

14. A clutch having a driving member and a driven member, a friction control means for bringing the clutch into disengagement by said friction and a device for releasing the clutch by means of its rotation below a given speed.

EDWARD A. ROCKWELL. 

